Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 24,875, Melzer Drake, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Drake, Melzer or Melzor Chloe
W. 24,875
CONTENTS

3021 Massachusetts
Eloie Drake widow of Melzor Drake who was a private — in the Mass ts Militia
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 28 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th day of Nov r 1843 and sent to
W Ellis Dedham Mass ts
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 40

I Jeremiah Richards of Sharon in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts hereby certify and say, that I hold at this time, the office of Clerk of said Town of Sharon and have the custody and keeping of the Books and Records of said Town and on those Records, I find an entry of the intended marriage of Melzar Drake and Chloe Morse of said Sharon in the following words viz
“ Mr Melzar Drake and Miss Chloe Morse both of Sharon, Intend Marriage, Sharon October 23-1784. Benj a Hewins Town Clerk ”
And I further certify, that I have searched the records aforesaid but am not able to find the entry of the Marriage of said Melzar Drake and Chloe Morse thereon —. But I do find the entry of the births of several of the Children of said Melzar and Chloe on the aforesaid Records, and that two of which are entered in the following words and form - viz
“ Francis Drake son of Melzar Drake and Chloe Drake his wife, was born May 18 th A.D. 1785 ”
“ Ellis Drake son of Melzar Drake and Chloe Drake his wife, was born February 13 th A.D. 1788 ”
Jeremiah Richards Clerk of the Town of Sharon
State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss.
November 7 th 1839. Then the above named Jeremiah Richards Clerk of the Town of Sharon, and a credible Witness, Subscribed to, and made Oath, that the matter by him Certified and set forth in the foregoing Statements, so subscribed by him, is just and true.
Before me W m G Ellis Judge of Peace

✓ Cloe Drake , 5807 Pension Application
Cloe Drake
Mass.
Act 7. July 38.
X m 85. d 13 Vol. 2. 16. Tishu X 19. 77. " X 20. 85. Hovell. 4 n o.
Please to report the result, to the Subscribers at Dedham Mass.
Yours W. Ellis

I John Morse of Sharon in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts being seventy years of age hereby testify and say, that I was personally acquainted with Melzer Drake late of said Sharon deceased, during the Revolutionary war and afterwards till his death, I recollect that said Melzer Drake went several times as a soldier into the war service, one of these terms of service I remember was at Rutland in the County of Worcester Mass when the troops of General Burgoyne as prisoners of war, were removed from Cambridge near Boston, to the Barracks or Depot at said Rutland in the month of April or May A.D. 1778, that I have heard the said Drake mention this tour after his return home from it, and I think this term of service at Rutland was either two or three months, and his officers in this service as it strikes my mind, were Capt. Thompson and Col. Brooks & Haskell but I can not be positive as to the officers names; I was not in that service myself.
And I further testify and say, that I am knowing to the fact, that my Sister Cloe Drake, now the widow of Melzer Drake decd., was lawfully married to said Melzer Drake at Sharon aforesaid on the seventh day of April A.D. 1785, by George Crossman a Justice of the Peace, I was present at the marriage ceremony. And I further say that said Melzer Drake died (according to my best recollection) in the month of January A.D. 1813. and I attended his funeral ceremonies at said Sharon.
And I further testify and say, that I am knowing to the fact, that said Cloe Drake has not intermarried since the death of her said husband, but remains the widow of said Melzer Drake, and resides in my neighborhood at the present time.
John Morse
State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss.
July 12 th 1839, Then Capt. John Morse above named, who is known to the subscriber as a credible Witness, subscribed to, and made Oath, that the matter set forth in the foregoing statement by him, so subscribed is, according to his best recollection and confident belief, true in every part thereof.
Before me. Wm. Ellis Justice of the Peace

Claes Drake Pioneer Hopkinton

State of Massachusetts, } County of Norfolk, ss. }
On this fourth day of June A. D. 1830, personally appeared in open Court before the Hon. Sherman Leland, Judge of the Court of Probate in and for said County of Norfolk, Cloe Drake a resident of Sharon in said County, aged seventy four years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision, made by the Act of Congress, passed July 7th, A. D. 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and Pensions to certain Widows."
VIZ.—I Cloe Drake of Sharon in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, being seventy four years of age, declare and say, that I am the Widow of Melzer Drake late of Fairl Sharon deceased, who rendered military services to the United States in the Revolutionary war, and which according to my own recol- lection and the best evidence within my knowledge, were performed as follows, viz:—
Viz Two months service as Soldier at Rhode Island, in Capt n Samuel Fishers Company and Col. Hawes Regiment, that this service began in the month of May and ended in the month of July in the year 1777—.
Also two and a half months service as a Soldier at the military Depot at Rutland in the County of Worcester Massachusetts, to guard the troops of General Burgoyne, Prisoners of War at that place, that this service began about the first of May in the year 1778, and ended in the Summer of the same year and believed to be rendered in Capt. Thompsons Company—.
Also six months service as Soldier at Providence and Newport in the State of Rhode Island in Capt n Howell, Company and Col. Tyler's Regiment, that this term of service began in the month of June A.D. 1779, and ended in the month of December the same year making ten and a half months service—
And I believe the said Melzer Drake my late husband performed the military services aforesaid as a volunteer, and never received any Pension or gratuity therefor, from the United States nor from any State, that he never had any permanent residence or home but within the town of Sharon aforesaid and that I have no other documents or proofs to offer in aid of my claim than are herewith transmitted,
And I further declare and say, That my maiden name was Cloe Morse that I was lawfully married to the said Melzer Drake on the seventh day of April A. D. 1785 that my late husband the said Melzer Drake died at Dedham in said County of Norfolk on the tenth day of January A. D. 1813, and that I have remained a widow ever since that period. That I was not married to him the said Melzer Drake prior to his leaving the service aforesaid, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz at the time above stated:
Cloe Drake X
Sworn to, and subscribed on the day and year first above written— Before S Leland Judge of Probate

Keep
Open
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 24875-
Clare Drake Wid. of Melzer Drake Phil Rev. wid.
Act Mar. 3 rd 1843.
Index: Vol A , Page 126
[Arrangement of 1870.]

4591 Mary Burchill
Widow of Melzer Drake, decd. who was a pensioner under the Act of ... and who died on the 10 January 1815 at Norfolk in the State of Massachusetts who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Fisher of the regt commanded by Col. Hawn in the Mass. militia line for 8 m & 18 days.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 28 Dollars 66 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of Novr 1839, & sent to Mr. Ellis, Esq. Gotham Mass.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1839 $100.33 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar 40 14.33 $114.66
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by J. M. Curdy Clerk. Book 14. Vol. 1. Page 83.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
NORFOLK ss.
Erroll Sampson
I, JAIRUS WARE , Clerk of the Judicial Courts, being Courts of Record, within and for the County of Norfolk, hereby Certify that
William Ellis Esquire
Esquire, and  Thomas
was a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Norfolk aforesaid, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified to discharge the duties of said office, and that his signature to the annexed certificates
are genuine and true. & that Sherman Leland Esquire is Judge of Probate for the County aforesaid & that his signature to the annexed certificate is genuine & true
In Witness Whereof, I have subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of said Commonwealth hereunto at Dedham, this thirteenth day of July A. D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine
Erroll Sampson Clerk

Melzar Drake d 1823 Cloe Drake m 1785 S.
1777 2.3 R S Capt Fish or mcl vol 25. p. 27
1778 2.15 Rutland. Thompson.
1779 6. th Capt Howale. (d Tyler or R. S.
* Vol 20. p. 85. 4. mo. - mcl say 6 mo.
2.3 2.15 4. 8.15

5807 Clare Drake wid of Melzar Mass
Ad July 7 1835 Married 1785 died 1873
Allen 8 mo 18 days pm p 28.11 per ann from Mar 4 1835
Mr Ellis Esq Seaham Mass

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, July 19 1843
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the attestation hereto attached, William Ellis was a Justice of the peace for the County of Norfolk.
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Wm. A. Byles
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

2932
Chloe Drake's Claim. Pension Act March 3. 1843.
Please to report the result to the subscriber at Dedham Mass. 11/5
W. G. Ellis
acord 28. 66

State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk SS.
On this tenth day of April A.D. 1843 - Personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the Peace in and for said County. Chloe Drake a resident of Sharon in said County of Norfolk, aged seventy nine years, who, first being duly sworn according to law, doth on her Oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed March 3 A.D. 1843 - granting Pensions to certain widows, of Officers and Soldiers, who served in the Revolutionary war -.
Viz. That She is the widow of Melzar Drake, who as a Private soldier rendered military services to the United States in the Revolutionary war, and who died, January 10 th A.D. 1813. That She is the identical Chloe Drake, who made application for a five years Pension under the Act of Congress, passed July 7 th 1838, and in the month of July A.D. 1839, transmitted to the U.S. Pension Department with her said application, the requisite proofs of said Melzar Drake's Revolutionary services, and the proof of her lawful marriage to him the said Melzar Drake, her late husband dec d . That She subsequently received a Pension Certificate, granting her a Pension of 28.66 per annum for a term of five years, from March 4 th A.D. 1836. That she received the amount of said Pension ending March 4 th A.D. 1841, and at the receipt of the last payment thereof, She surrendered her said Certificate to the Agent of the United States for paying pensions in Boston in the State of Massachusetts. That she has not intermarried since the death of her said husband, but continues the widow of said Melzar Drake deceased, and is now seventy nine years of age -.
Chloe Drake
Sworn to, and subscribed by the above named Chloe Drake, on the day and year, first above written
Before W m Gellis
Justice of the Peace
And I further certify that the above named applicant Chloe Drake is personally known to me to be the identical person who was pensioned under the Act of July 7 th 1838 as she has above stated - - - - -
W m Gellis Justice of the Peace

I Gideon Hunt of Milton in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do testify and say, that I am seventy five years of age, and am a pensioner of the United States. I enlisted into the service in June seventeen hundred and seventy nine, in the Company was commanded by Capt. Wood of Boston, the Regiment, by Col. Taylor of Wrentham & the whole of the troops to which I was attached were under the command of Genl. Gates. I served six months in the aforesaid Company, for four months we were stationed at Providence and two, at Newport, Rhode Island; I further testify and say, that Melzer Drake of late of Sharon was a private in the same company with myself for, and during the aforesaid term of six months Gideon Hunt
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk ss. November 3. 1888 Then personally appeared the above named Gideon Hunt and made oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is true. Before me — Thomas French justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the above deposition, Gideon Hunt contains a character for truth and veracity Thomas French Just Peace

Nov. 18. 1839
Drake
Abbyson
FREE
James L. Edwards Esq.
U.S. Commr of Pensions
Washington City

Dedham Mass Nov 13 th 1839.
Mr Edwards
Mr Hunt testified that he served 4 months with Melzar Drake at Providence and two months at Newport, both in Rhode Island in the year 1779.
Sir - In some time since, received a letter from you in relation to the pending claim of Chloe Drake, the widow of Melzar Drake late of said Sharon dec - and have caused the enquiries to be made with regard to the marriage of said Chloe & Melzar Drake, and also with regard to the term of two months, at Rhode Island in 77. also with regard to the given name of Capt Thompson under whom said Drake served in the year 1778 - and answer as follows, that the fact of the marriage of Melzar Drake and Chloe Morse, is well remembered by a great number persons; that there are other respectable persons living who were present at the marriage ceremony beside Capt John Morse, whose testimony of the fact is in your possession, three of the children of said Melzar Drake & Chloe Drake are still living, and respectable persons; unwilling to multiply affidavits I herewith transmit only one, from the Town Clerk of Sharon which I trust will be satisfactory on the point to which it refers - with respect to the term of service claimed for 1777. I would state that a number of persons remembered that said Melzar Drake went as a soldier in the Revolutionary war but could not distinctly remember his Captain or the length of his service in that tour - consequently Mr Thomas Fisher who was known to an associate with Drake at that period time, was written to for certifying this fact & Thomas Fisher of Franconia N.H. answered the inquiry in the following words viz - "the said Melzar Drake was in service with me at Rhode Island two months in 1777, began about 1 st of May, under the command of Capt Samuel Gishler, which is all I can state in regard to him -"
Several months after this, the said Thomas Fisher stated and testified to the same fact before Justice Brown & which you have among the papers in this case, and from the known respectability and standing of said Thomas Fisher as a man of character and intelligence, I should from my own knowledge, consider his testimony in any case, entitled to credit, as soon as that of any other Evidence or Witness, in the State of New Hampshire or elsewhere - on further inquiry of Capt John Morse whose affidavit is already in the case, it seems evident, that said Melzar Drake left home in the spring of 1778 and went as a soldier to join the troops of Genl Burgoyne when they were removed from Cambridge to the Depot at Rutland in the County of Worcester & served there several months & returned home to Stoughtonham (now Sharon) the Autumn following and that the Captain's name was Thompson. He thinks it was Capt. Ralph Thompson. Respectfully your Obed. Servant
Wm G. Ellis
James L. Edwards Esq Washington City -

Deposition of Thomas Fisher in aid of the Claim of Chloe Drake —

I Thomas Fisher of Francestown in the County of Hillsborough and State of New Hampshire being seventy eight years of age, hereby testify and say, that I was personally acquainted with Melzer Drake of Stoughtonham (now Sharon) in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts dec. during the years of the Revolutionary War, and I am knowing to the fact that said Melzer Drake signed and served as a Soldier at East Greenwich and other places in the State of Rhode Island in Capt Samuel Fisher's Company, for a term of two months that according to my best recollection and belief, this service began about the first of May and ended about the first of July in the year A.D. 1777.
I also well recollect that said Melzer Drake married Abie Morse of said Stoughtonham (now Sharon) about the close of the Revolution.
That I know these facts, because I resided in said Stoughtonham during the Revolutionary War, and served as a Soldier with said Melzer Drake in the Capt Samuel Fisher's Company at Rhode Island during the two months above stated.
Thomas Fisher
State of New Hampshire. Hillsborough County ss. On the 20th day of April 1839 the above named Thomas Fisher who I certify is a person of good reputation and entitled to credit as a witness personally appeared and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed, before me. Titus Brown Justice of the Peace

Hillsborough. ss } State of New Hampshire
I Andrew Wallace clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature for the county of Hillsborough and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Titus Brown within named is a Justice of the Peace for said county of Hillsborough as within mentioned and that the foregoing signature, purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court and subscribed my name at Amherst in said county, this twenty third day of April Anno Domini 1839.
A. Wallace clerk

James L. Edwards Esq Com d of Pension — Washington City

Deerham Mass 11. July 13 th 1839.
Mr Edwards
Sir
Herewith is transmitted the Pension Application of Chloe Drake widow of Melzer Drake deceased, it will be seen that she & Chloe Drake claims 2 1/2 months service at Rutland guarding the troops of General Burgoyne Prisoners of war at that Place in 1778. The claimant has delayed her Application for several months in hopes to find some evidence to determine more accurately the length of this term of service at Rutland, but as yet has not succeeded, it occurs to mind that some Applicants under the law of 1832 claimed for five or six months service in this duty of guarding the Prisoners in the the Year 1778, and it would seem some at least were allowed for that term of time in that service, I know not for certainty the how this term was with the Claimants husband, if this term of service should be found to be longer than claimed, I presume justice will be done to the Claimant in that respect —.
I am Sir
very Respectfully
Your Obe d Serv t
W m Gellis
James L. Edwards Esq. Washington City